1 | P a g e

St. Thomas Aquinas, an Independence Mission School

Student

and

Parent

Handbook

1631 S. 18th Street Philadelphia, PA 19145

215-334-0878 www.stthomasphila.org

2 | P a g e

Welcome

St. Thomas Aquinas is one of 14 schools in the Independence Mission Schools system. This is a

system of former Archdiocesan schools that provides high quality, low cost values-based

education to some of Philadelphia’s students most in need.

St. Thomas Aquinas Independence Mission School is committed to supporting students as 21st

Century Learners and Citizens in preparation for future success in high school, college and life.

Insisting on, and supporting students in building a learning environment that breeds growth in

knowledge and idea exchange is priority one. This is an environment of respect, cultural

awareness and civic engagement. Academically, students engage in personalized instruction in

foundational literacy and math skills. High expectations for growth continue as students

progress through a curriculum that requires evaluation and application of their knowledge.

This 21st century approach ensures high academic success and personal growth for our current

students, and provides a strong framework for welcoming new students.

This handbook contains certain policies and procedures of the School. The School may change any of its policies and procedures and apply them as circumstances dictate. If you have a question about a particular policy or procedure, please contact the Principal. STUDENTS AND PARENTS MUST ACCEPT AND ABIDE BY THE SCHOOL’S POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN ORDER FOR THE STUDENT TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL. Sincerely, Vince Mazzio Nicole Smith Principal Assistant Principal

3 | P a g e

Table of Contents Admission Academic Polices Code of Conduct Dress Code Attendance Health and Safety Nutrition and Meals Communication Visitors and Volunteers Computers Acceptable Use Policy

4 | P a g e

ADMISSION Our School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to its students. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, its admission policy, or in any school-administered program. The School endeavors to accommodate students with special needs, as the School’s resources and capabilities reasonably permit. The School reserves the right to decline admission or impose reasonable conditions of attendance were indicted under the circumstances. The School follows the local public school district’s age requirements for admission. In the case of children coming from different public schools districts, the School administration determines the admission date. For example: a student who is 6 years old by September 1st is eligible for first grade; the age for admission to kindergarten is 5 years of age by September 1. All admission, enrollment, financial aid and tuition decisions are generated through www.mytads.com. This is an online service which makes the process very smooth. To be considered for acceptance, the parent must complete the necessary documents on TADS, as well as provide the school:

Birth Certificate

Written immunization records

Court ordered custody agreements (if applicable)

Transfer/transcript from previous school, a copy of most recent report card RE-REGISTRATION Families registered in our school are required to re-register annually. Re-registration information for the following year is forwarded to each family through the weekly communication folder in February prior to the next school year. All financial obligations must be current before re-registration can be processed. Satisfactory student conduct and academics are considered when re-registering a student. PreK and Kindergarten registration begins during this time period. Students applying to the Kindergarten must submit all the required documentation, including satisfactory recommendations and progress reports from their Pre-K program.

5 | P a g e

ACADEMIC POLICIES CURRICULUM The curriculum of St. Thomas Aquinas School follows the course of study as outlined by the Common Core State Standards, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and, for Religion, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. TESTING PROGRAMS Various tests are administered throughout the school year to enable the school to assess student progress and to comply with the curriculum standards. Students should be encouraged to perform to the best of their ability. PROGRESS REPORTS Teachers make every effort to keep parents informed of each student’s progress or lack of progress. Midway through a trimester, Progress Reports are issued to parents and students. REPORT CARDS Students in Grades K through 8 receive report cards three times per year. Major test averages, quizzes, projects, home assignments, class participation, and various other forms of assessment determine report card grades. STUDENT RETENTION Careful assessment of each student’s performance is an ongoing consideration. At the beginning of the 2nd trimester a conference is scheduled with parents/guardians of a student who is experiencing excessive difficulty in schoolwork and might need to be retained in a grade. Support services will be sought for the student, and consistent communication will take place among the teacher, administrator, and parents/guardians. Every effort will be made to reassure parents/guardians that the decision to retain a student will be made in the student’s best interest. HOMEWORK Homework is an assignment given by a teacher that either reinforces concepts presented in class, or previews upcoming material. It will include both written and study assignments. Students in grades 3-8 are required to use the regulation assignment books that are distributed at the beginning of the school year. ASSEMBLIES School assemblies may be planned to take place during the school day throughout the school year. Assembly programs are educational in nature, and may require student participation. Students are expected to sit with their class and are under the direction and supervision of their teacher. We ask that students demonstrate only positive reactions toward presenters in the form of applause. The school’s Code of Conduct applies to assemblies.

6 | P a g e

FIELD TRIPS Field trips are of an educational nature. Written permission from parents for students to participate is required for each trip. Faculty members assisted by other adults accompany students on a field trip. School buses and/or leased buses are used for field trip transportation. Any parent that accompanies his/her child on a class field trip must have all clearances in place prior to the selection of chaperones. If a parent is not selected to accompany his/her child’s class on a field trip, he/she may not attend on his/her own. Students are expected to attend field trips, except in instances where students have lost the privilege due to behavior issues. The monetary costs should not be the cause of not attending. Parents should contact the teacher in writing to explain why the child will not attend. The school’s Code of Conduct applies to class trips. EDUCATIONAL/INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM (EST-IST) The EST-IST Team is a supportive group comprised of the principal, the parent and specially trained school personnel, its purpose is to identify the learning and behavioral needs of students experiencing school difficulties and to provide the students with the academic, behavioral and/or social support needed in order to be successful in school. It provides peer support for teachers, staff and parents in working effectively with at-risk students. Recommendations will be implemented and monitored. REFERRAL PROCESS Any student who experiences academic/behavioral problems, or demonstrates any behaviors causing concerns may be referred to the team. A child may be referred to the process by the teacher, parent, principal, or member of the school staff. Members of the EST-IST may include any of the following: Principal, Parent, Child’s Teacher(s), Reading Specialist, ESL Teacher, School Counselor, School Nurse, Speech Teacher, School Community Liaison, Psychologist, and Catapult Teacher. Ad hoc members may become part of the team as needed. St. Thomas Aquinas School strives to meet the educational needs of every student. However, if it is determined that a child’s needs cannot be met by the offerings available through the school program, a transfer will be issued. A parent’s refusal to participate in the EST-IST Team or failure to implement recommendation may result in an automatic transfer of the student. CURRICULUM MODIFICATION AND ADAPTIVE GRADING POLICIES A Curriculum Modification is a small alteration, adjustment or limitation in the existing grade level curriculum expectations which is not commonly offered to all students. Students who have undergone a psychological-educational evaluation through the school district and are found in of alteration in certain curriculum areas may be placed on a modified curriculum plan. Parent notification and consent is required. The success of the plan depends upon commitment and collaboration on the part of the parent, student, administration and the teacher. A modified plan is valid for one school year. At the conclusion of the year, the plan must be reviewed by the EST-IST Team, and re-introduced at the next grade level.

7 | P a g e

SCHOOL SUPPLIES LIST Students are expected to come to school every day prepared to participate in the learning experience. A supplies list is provided to all students. It is the responsibility of the parent and pupil to come to school with required school supplies. BOOKS AND MATERIALS Every student must carry his/her books to and from school in a suitable book bag. All books must be covered, with the exception of copybooks. All covers must be neat and clean and free from inappropriate material. Books, copybooks, and materials are to be properly identified with a child’s name, school, address, and room number. All lost or damaged books must be paid for in full by the student and parents/guardians. A charge will be made at the rate at which the books were purchased by the School. Students are expected to take care of their personal belongings, their books and their clothing.

CODE OF CONDUCT PHILOSOPHY The St. Thomas Aquinas Code of Conduct is designed to provide an environment which supports learning. Consequences are designed to promote social and moral growth in each student and emphasize individual accountability. TIERED MANAGEMENT

Tier 1 – Classroom Intervention: The following is a list of unacceptable student behavior that will be addressed in accordance to the teacher’s management plan. This plan could include small impromptu conferences, loss of privileges, or detention.

o Unprepared for class o Improper behavior o Failure to follow classroom rules/procedures o Cheating o Disrespect toward others o Abusive language o Forgery o Invading the privacy of others o Chewing gum o Dress code violation o Damaging school/church property o Failure to return notices sent to parent/guardian

8 | P a g e

Tier 2 – Administrative Intervention: The following are considered major disciplinary infractions that would result in more intense consequences or interventions such as community service, loss of privileges, suspension or expulsion.

o Immorality o Gross defiance o Truancy o Unauthorized leaving of school grounds or school sponsored events o Fighting o Unauthorized use of electronic devices o Theft o Vandalism o Conduct failures o Possession and use of weapons o Verbal, physical or sexual harassment threats against the faculty, staff,

volunteers, students or administration. o Not adhering to terms of probationary contract o Possession of items or substances that may cause fire or explosions

SUSPENSION

Suspension may be issued for 1 to 3 days.

The parent/guardian will be contacted by the teacher or the principal by telephone. The parents will receive a letter from the principal regarding the suspension.

Parent/guardian must re-instate the student by attending a conference on the day of re-instatement.

Any incident requiring a third suspension may lead to the student’s dismissal. REFERRALS In the case of any threats of violence or harassment in any form, including oral, written or electronic by a student against any member of the school community, if suspended, but not dismissed may be required to have a psychological or psychiatric clearance before returning to school. CELL PHONES The use of cell phones is acceptable only when permitted by the teacher for educational purposes. The use of cell phones and electronic devices for personal reasons is prohibited during the school day. All such devices must be kept in the student’s school bag, in the coat closet and in the “off” mode. All phone contact must be made in the school office under the supervision of school staff.

HARRASSMENT It is the intent of the school to provide an educational environment free from all forms of improper threats, intimidation, hostility, and offensive and inappropriate behavior. Such improper conduct may take the form of unwanted verbal or physical conduct, verbal or written

9 | P a g e

derogatory or discriminatory statements, and behavior not conducive to the educational and religious mission of the school. Unacceptable conduct – either by a student or a parent/guardian. would constitute grounds for immediate dismissal of the child. In the case of children, the school should investigate all such incidents promptly and confidentially. A student under investigation should be released to his/her parents or legal guardian and removed from the school pending the investigation. If the acts involve a weapon, the school should report the incident to the local police depending on the nature of the incident involving a weapon. Items that are not by their nature weapons may become weapons depending on how they are used. Whenever physical harm results, the police should be informed. Threats of, or violence by use of a weapon are also considered criminal, and again the particular circumstances will dictate whether the police should be contacted. Sexual harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Any student or parent/guardian who is determined to have violated this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of the student. BULLYING POLICY Bullying is characterized by the following three (3) criteria:

1. It is aggressive behavior or intentional harm doing.

2. It is carried out repeatedly over time.

3. It occurs within an interpersonal relationship where there is an imbalance of power (e.g.one (1)

person is physically larger, stronger, mentally quicker or socially more powerful).

Bullying may be direct or indirect action, which may include (but is not limited to):

Physical: hitting, kicking, pushing, shoving, getting another person to hurt someone;

Verbal: racial slurs, name-calling, teasing, taunting, verbal or sexual harassment, gossiping, rumor

spreading; or

Non-Verbal: threating, obscene gestures, isolation, stalking, cyber-bullying (bullying that occurs by

use of electronic or communication devices through means of email, instant messaging, text

messages, blogs, photo and video sharing, bash boards, websites, etc.).

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS BEING BULLIED?

Students or parents/guardians of students who have been bullied or witness bullying should immediately

report such incidents to the school principal or designee, or to any other member of the school staff,

including teachers, guidance counselors, coaches and administrators. Any staff member who receives

such a report shall immediately notify the principal or designee.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN AN INCIDENT OF BULLYING IS REPORTED?

There will be a quick and thorough investigation of all reports. If the allegations are found true, the Principal

or designee will do the following:

1. Inform the student who bullies the results of the investigation

2. Review the definition of bullying with the student

10 | P a g e

3. Provide a consequence for the behavior related to the number of offenses and the severity of the

behavior

4. Notify the parents of the student(s) who bullies, including the actions of the student(s) and the

consequences

WHAT HAPPENS TO STUDENTS WHO BULLY?

Students who violate the bullying policy will be subjected to the following disciplinary procedures:

First Offense: Documented warning and parental notification

Second Offense: Parent conference, loss of school privileges, exclusion from school-sponsored

activities, detention, and/or counseling within the school

Third Offense: Suspension or transfer to another classroom, school building, or school bus.

In each instance, students are required to participate in a restorative conference in which all who are impacted will

discuss the situation. This will be based on the ideals of Christian fellowship and will strive to achieve peaceful

resolution. This will occur before the bully returns to the classroom setting.

.

DRESS CODE DRESS CODE Neatness and cleanliness in personal attire are part of a child’s education and the responsibility of the parents. When a child looks and feels good about himself/herself, he/she acts and works accordingly. Personal appearance that constitutes a distraction is not permitted. Final approval/ disapproval are at the discretion of the Principal. HAIR STYLES/GROOMING Student’s hair is to be neat and clean, and groomed appropriately. Students are expected to come to school in a state of cleanliness. JEWELRY Watches may be worn. For safety reasons, girls may only wear post earrings. OUT OF UNIFORM If at any time during the year an exception in uniform is necessary, a note of explanation must be sent to the child’s teacher who will forward it to the principal. This note should indicate the expected date by which the uniform will be complete, and the principal must grant approval.

Cramer’s Kids carries the regulation uniform South Philadelphia Location 1704-06 E. Passyunk Ave 215-468-2400

BOYS UNIFORM Pants: Navy blue, regulation trousers Shirt: White dress shirt (long/short sleeve) Tie: Solid blue tie

11 | P a g e

Shoes: Black, tie-up, rubber sole Sweater or Vest: (optional) Navy blue cardigan sweater Belt: Black dress belt Socks: Black GIRL UNIFORM Uniform: Regulation, blue plaid jumper (K-4) blue, plaid skirt (5-8) Blouse: White blouse, Peter Pan collar (long/short sleeve) Shoes: Navy blue, black, or blue and white saddle, tie-up or black rubber sole. Socks and/or Stocking: navy blue Cardigan sweater/vest: navy blue GYM UNIFORM 1-8 T-shirt: red with St. Thomas Aquinas logo Sweat Pants: red with St. Thomas Aquinas logo. Sweatshirt: red with St. Thomas Aquinas logo (optional) Sneakers: Black or white (plain rubber sole)

SCHEDULE AND ATTENDANCE BELL SCHEDULE 7:30 Students in grades 1-8 may arrive for breakfast 7:45 Grades 6-8 proceeds from cafeteria to school 7:50 Grades 6-8 in seat ready to learn 7:50 Front doors open for PreK-K 7:50 Grades 1-5 line up in cafeteria to proceed to school 8:00 All grades in seats ready to learn 10:45 First Lunch 11:30 Second Lunch 2:45 Dismissal ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance is essential if students are to fulfill the goals and objectives set forth for the educational program. It is the responsibility of the parents to see that pupils attend school. The following are the only absences that are considered administratively excused absences. Written excuses are required following student lateness or absence. If a students is absent five (5) or more consecutive days, a doctor’s certificate is required for readmission to school. Students must present written excuses and verifications to homeroom teacher. The parent/guardian is responsible for notifying school office on the first day of the student’s absence. If a student is absent without verification to school, staff member will contact the parent/guardian by phone. Call will be made to home and/or emergency telephone number.

12 | P a g e

EXCUSED ABSENCES

religious holidays

death in family

confirmed medical/legal appointments

absences approved in writing by a doctor or dentist

suspension by the administration. School personnel will verify absences and may contact the appropriate authority if the absences continue to be unexplained, excessive, or there are more than 3 unexcused absences. If a student reaches the point of excessive absenteeism (8 days), the principal will notify parents/guardians that a conference may be required to discuss the reason for the absences. ABSENCES AND MAKE UP WORK Students who miss school for the reasons stated in the attendance policy can obtain the missed assignments and make up the work missed due to the absence from school or class. Student will be given one-day for each day absent. No work will be issued for unexcused absences. MISCELLANEOUS

Perfect Attendance is granted to student without any absence or lateness. Absences due to death of family member, does not count against a student’s perfect attendance record.

Request for Family Vacation: Parent/Guardians should notify the principal at least two weeks in advance if they are planning to take the students out of school. Time lost will be considered unexcused absence.

Absences that take place during Standardized Tests and final exams are strongly discouraged. The school will determine the make-up schedule.

DELAYED OPENING A special schedule will be in effect on days when the weather conditions necessitate a two-hour delayed opening. Dismissal will be at the regularly scheduled time. The school day will begin at 10:00 AM. Students should arrive at 9:50 AM. There will be no Breakfast program on Delayed Openings days. School Reach parent notification will be used to notify parents of Delayed Openings. DISMISSAL Students in grades 3 through 8 shall be permitted to dismiss school unescorted during regular dismissal days, on early dismissal days identified on the school calendar, and on emergency early dismissal days, unless the parent/guardian provides prior written notification to the school. Students in grades 1 and 2 must have authorized escorts. All documented escort arrangements will be considered applicable unless alternate arrangements are submitted in writing to the Principal by the child’s parent/guardian on or

13 | P a g e

before the day alternate plan. If a pupil’s designated escort fails to pick-up the student within 30 minutes of the school dismissal time, the proper authorities will be notified. LATENESS

A 6-8 student who arrives after 7:50 Am is late for school, and must report to the school office.

A K-5 student who arrives after 8:00 AM is late for school, and must report to the school office.

Students should present a note from his/her parent to the teacher explaining the reason for the lateness.

Consistent unexcused lateness will be considered parental neglect, which will be reported to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

Lateness, of course, impacts on a perfect attendance record and constitutes a serious infraction. After a student is late five (5) times in a trimester the students will serve a detention

DISMISSAL 2:45

Students in Grades 3 through 8 are dismissed into the school yard and escorted to the corners by the faculty at 2:45 PM.

Students in Grades 1 and 2 remain in the school yard for pick-up.

Students in PreK and K must pick-up students at the 18th and Morris Street entrance.

Parents will be charged a fee $1.00 per for students not picked up by 3:00 PM. The appropriate authorities will be notified after 3:30 PM

EARLY DISMISSAL - INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS

No child may leave the building prior to dismissal without the Principal’s permission.

Request for early dismissal should be submitted on a limited basis and only for reasons of excused absence.

To request an early dismissal, please send a note to the homeroom teacher who will forward it to the office. If the teacher did not receive a note, the parent will be asked to make a written request in the office and show identification.

The parent or guardian must report to the school office first and sign the “Early Dismissal Book,” in order to have your child released from school. If someone other than the parent or legal guardian is picking-up the student, the name of that person must be given in the parent letter and identification is required.

Parents should not arrive after 2:00PM requesting early dismissal.

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEDICAL RECORDS

14 | P a g e

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has mandated that all children entering the Kindergarten or First Grade present documented proof that the required immunizations have been received. NURSE

The nurse is responsible for checking the height, weight, hearing and vision of every child and for making referral to parents when problems are found. The nurse maintains all health records.

Care given in the school is limited to first aid in accidents or illness until the parents can be reached to take the child home, to the doctor, or to the hospital. In an emergency, the nurse will arrange to have the student transported to the hospital.

All students are screened yearly under the State-mandated program. Student physical examinations are required within three months of entry into school and the sixth grade. Student dental examinations are required within three months of entry into school and in the third and seventh grades. The sixth and seventh grade students are also screened for scoliosis.

If your child has a specific medical problem, please notify the homeroom teacher and the nurse of the problem. Medic-Alert bracelets are strongly recommended for any child with a medical problem. Emergency cards are kept on file for each student. Please be sure that we have an up-to-date emergency number on file in case of an emergency during the school day involving your child.

ACCIDENT/ILLNES AT SCHOOL Accidents or unusual illness occurring at school are reported immediately to the principal or main office personnel. When a student becomes ill or meets with an accident, the parent or guardian is contacted. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be called. No medicine of any kind, including aspirin, may be given to the student. Only basic first aid may be administered. Parents must be contacted immediately if there is any question regarding an injury. MEDICATIONS It is generally recommended that prescription medicines be given to the student before and/or after school in accordance with the physician’s directions. In those rare instances where the medication must be given during the school day, it should be taken by the student in the presence of an adult authorized by the school nurse and the principal. Parents/guardians are required to sign the medication authorization form, which is available from the School, if the student must take medication at the School. Prescription and non-prescription over the counter medications must be in the original container with a note from the parent and physician to include: name of medicine, dosage, time of administration, dates to be given, and reason for medication. Students requiring medical attention must report to the nurse. No medications should be placed in lunch boxes or school bags for students to self-administer. All medications must be taken in nurses’ office or the main office.

15 | P a g e

SAFE ENVIROMENT POLICY Any adult (employees or volunteer) who has regular contact with children must comply with certain Archdiocesan Safe Environment requirements. The following clearances are required of employees: check for criminal history, child abuse, attendance at safe environment training session and signing of “Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries.” acknowledgment. TEACHING TOUCHING SAFETY Teaching Touching Safety begins with education and understanding. Touching safety lessons are taught twice during the school year. Parents will be informed of the lessons; one lesson is taught during the winter and the other is taught during the spring.

First, children are taught how boundaries are established in relationships, and then look to see where the risk of boundary violations may arise.

Teaching touching safety requires teachers, parents, and other caring adults to help children learn appropriate relationship boundaries and how to protect themselves from violators. By teaching touching safety, we can empower children to respond in the best possible way when those boundaries are violated.

GENERAL SUPERVISION OF SCHOOL GROUNDS The School grounds generally are supervised during school hours, from arrival time until dismissal time, when school is in session. There also will be general supervision in connection with school-sponsored activities, such as extracurricular events. Parents/guardians are responsible for insuring that they and their children are not on the premises during other times. The School has no responsibility for students or parent(s)/guardian(s) on the premises during unsupervised times. FIRE DRILL Fire drills are conducted on a monthly basis. When the alarm sounds, the students are instructed to leave the building quickly and in silence according to directions posted in each area. Failure to cooperate is considered a serious matter. EVACUATION Once it has been determined the school must be evacuated for reasons of imminent danger or crisis the students would be relocated to the gymnasium, the church or St. Monica’s Church or school at 17th and Ritner Street. REGULATIONS The following regulations have been established to insure the safety of our students and must be adhered to by each student:

Running is not permitted at any time within the school building or in moving from one place to another on the school premises.

16 | P a g e

Entry is not permitted into the school building before school in the morning, at recess or lunch, or after dismissal at any time, unless a member of the school staff gives explicit permission to do so.

No student may leave the school premises at any time without permission. A violation of this regulation will result in automatic suspension. Every student must stay within the established boundaries when outdoors for morning and lunch recess.

All visitors must report to the school office. SMOKING The school premises are a smoke-free environment. No smoking is allowed in the school building. TELEPHONE - SCHOOL OFFICE The telephone in the school office is for business only. A student may use the phone only in the case of an emergency with the permission of the Principal. Permission will not be given to a student to call home for forgotten supplies or to communicate social plans. Please do not request that a child phone home during or after school for any reason. TRANSPORTATION In the beginning of the school year, parents/guardians are asked how their child (ren) will arrive at and leave school. Any change in transportation arrangements must be made in writing, even if it is a change for only one day. Transportation changes will not be made over the phone. BUS The Philadelphia School District provides a Septa trans-pass for bus transportation for students who reside at a distance greater than 1.5 miles from the school. CAR PICK - UP Parents who pick up students must park their cars on 18th and Morris Street. This is a designated car pick-up area. No cars are permitted in the school yard. Students must be picked-up on the curb side of the street. Running is prohibited. A teacher/staff will oversee car pick-up procedures daily. Cars may not enter the school yard during dismissal. Parents may not encourage students to break traffic safety rules or disobey dismissal procedures. WALKERS Teachers (Grade 3 through 8) will escort classes to the intersections of 17th or 18th and Morris. Parents should wait outside the school yard gates. Parents of Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 parents should enter the school yard to pick-up students. CROSSING GUARDS Crossing guards are provided by the local public school district. They are not school employees or under the direction of our School. The School is not responsible for the conduct of crossing guards or for insuring that crossing guards are posted as scheduled.

17 | P a g e

18 | P a g e

NUTRITION AND MEALS LUNCH AND BREAKFAST All students stay for lunch during the school year. Nutritional Development Services administers the school meal programs. All students are eligible for a free breakfast and free lunch. Students arriving after 8:00 AM are not eligible. In consistency with our Wellness Policy and in the interest of healthy eating habits, soda is not permitted, class parties may not be celebrated in the cafeteria. Students are not permitted to have fast food delivered. For safety reasons, glass containers are not permitted. CAFETERIA RULES

Enter in alphabetical order.

Remain in assigned seat

Sit properly in seat

Raise your hand and ask for permission to leave seat.

Keep hands, feet and unkind words to yourself.

Students are expected to clean their places after eating, pick up and dispose of debris in the trash containers.

Follow directions.

Dismiss in an orderly line

Respect and courtesy are to be shown to the parents who supervise and assist during this time.

CAFETERIA SCHEDULE Grades 4-5-6-7-8 10:50 AM -11:35 AM Grades K-1-2-3 11:35 AM- 12:20 PM

COMMUNICATION EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM The School requires the parent(s)/guardian(s) of each student to complete an emergency contact form at mytads.com. It is important that the information on this form is accurate and updated so that the school can contact the parent/guardian in the event of an emergency. Parents are required to provide proof of residence at registration and whenever an address change is requested. PARENT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM The school contracts the services of School Reach to notify parents, and their designated parties, of emergency closings and various calendar events.

19 | P a g e

COMMUNICATIONS/STUDENT RECORDS/RELEASE OF STUDENTS Legal Custody Issues Parents are asked to inform school personnel when legal custody of the child (ren) resides with one parent. It is important for the school to have a copy of the custody decree. This will help school personnel to make effective decisions when the need arises. Custodial parents are likewise asked to supply the school with copies of restraining orders if the need arises. Only individuals who have legal custody of the student may attend school meetings, participate in educational decisions and review educational records regarding that student. Persons who do not have legal custody (including those with visitation rights but not legal custody) have no such educational rights and may not participate in these matters. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE Parent-teacher Conferences are scheduled in for the first trimester report card. Arrangements for parent-teacher conferences at other times can be made in writing to suit the convenience of both parties whenever deemed necessary for the benefit of the child. Parents may not conference with teachers while the teacher is on duty and actively supervising between the hours of 7:45 and 3:00. When requesting a conference, please state the nature of the concern, so that the teacher can be better prepared to address it. Teachers may not be interrupted during the school day: lunches, messages, forgotten books, etc. should be left at the office with the child’s name and room number. WEEKLY COMMUNICATION FOLDER Effective communication is the single, most important factor that assures a positive relationship between the home and school. Several modes of communication exist at our school to help keep parents informed of policies, activities, upcoming events, and student progress. Regular forms of communication include this handbook, a monthly calendar of events, newsletters, flyers, and website. Parents may contact the principal and teachers by a written note, by calling the school office and leaving a message, or by email. Call should be returned in 24 hours. PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORTS CARDS It is the responsibility of each child enrolled at the school to provide the parents with all written communications. Parents are asked to check book bags and folders regularly for such communications. Any communications, forms, money, etc. that are brought to school are forwarded to the school office through the homeroom teacher. Students should not be instructed to deliver items directly to the office. STUDENT RECORDS Unless a court or custody agreement specifies otherwise, each parent/guardian with legal custody is entitled to access all school records of the child. Without a subpoena or court order, school records of the child (ren) may be disclosed only upon written consent of the parent/ guardian with legal custody. Tuition must be current in order for school records to be released. REALESE OF CHILD

20 | P a g e

A child will not be released to a parent/guardian that does not have physical custody, without the written consent of the custodial parent/guardian. To determine the custodial parent/guardian, all separated or divorced parents of children enrolled in the school must provide the school with a copy of the court order or custodial agreement adjudicating that determination of custody. This Court Order/Custodial Agreement is placed in a confidential file.

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS VISITORS Supporting student success is the primary focus at STA. This requires uninterrupted classroom time for all students. Visitors are most welcome by appointment. To arrange for a visit, visitors should contact the school office. In addition, please consider the following:

Matters and concerns pertaining to students may not be addressed on open areas.

Parents coming to school to bring forgotten articles or to relay messages should come to the school office.

Parents may not confer with a teacher or visit a classroom between the hours of 7:45 A.M. and 3:00 P.M., unless the Principal gives permission for such a visit.

All visitors must report to the school office and sign in the Visitor’s Log when entering the building. An atmosphere of quiet respect for the learning rights of others should prevail throughout the school building.

The school does not permit parents to visit students during the school day. Custodial visitation arrangement must specify hours outside of the school day.

INVOLVEMENT OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS The home/school partnership is crucial to student success and active cooperation of parents and guardians is expected. Parents and guardians should adhere to the following requirements:

Sending their child to school physically fit, clean, and properly dressed and fed.

Assisting their child’s spiritual, academic, and moral development through careful attention to his/her report card, supervision of home study and behavior, and cooperation with the School in matters of activities, recreation, academics and discipline.

Discovering their child’s special interests and talents so that they may be developed to the fullest.

Sending a written explanation each time their child is absent from school.

Setting a good example by personally refraining from any activity that would violate School policy, Catholic teachings or the law.

Reading contents of Weekly Communication Folder. The failure of a parent/guardian to take these responsibilities seriously is grounds for action by the School, including dismissal of the student.

21 | P a g e

VOLUNTEERS The assistance of parent volunteers is greatly appreciated and encouraged. We recognize the invaluable assistance given by our student’s families, which helps in building a strong learning community. Proper clearances are required. Volunteers assist in some of the following ways:

Library Aides

Teachers’ Aides

Parent Ambassadors

Computer Lab Aides

Homeroom Mothers

Chaperones

School Office Aides

Cafeteria and Yard Aides

Fundraising

Extracurricular Activities Aides Every student is expected to show courtesy and respect to all volunteers. USE OF STUDENT RESTROOM In order to maintain a Safe Environment for students, we restrict the use of school /cafeteria bathroom facilities to student use only.